Kentucky Derby 2014: How Top Contenders Performed at Churchill Downs

The Kentucky Derby wasn't a close competitive affair throughout. It took California Chrome a moment to take full control, but by the final stretch, the colt separated himself from the field—literally and figuratively.

As of now, Art Sherman's horse looks to be head and shoulders above the other three-year-olds and ready to make a serious run at the Triple Crown.

It's very early, and anything can happen between now and the Preakness Stakes on May 17, but this horse has as good of a shot as any to make history.

Here's how the other top horses in the field fared at Churchill Downs on Saturday.

One of the four Todd Pletcher-trained horses in the field, Danza finished third on Saturday. Knowing Danza's Grade 1 racing days are far from over, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners president Aron Wellman seemed pleased with his horse's finish at Churchill Downs.

As he continues to prove he's worthy of racing and competing with top-notch three-year-olds, Danza's momentum is still strong heading into the Preakness Stakes.

This horse may still have a chance to show us Who's The Boss. Sorry, I had to.

According to Lane Gold of ESPN, a $1 million bet was placed on Candy Gold just moments before the start of the Kentucky Derby.

Needless to say, that person didn't collect on his investment. The horse didn't finish in the money. He wound up a disappointing 13th.

It does make you wonder what prompted the wager. Did someone get some inside information that made him believe in the horse? Also, what will the prospects be for the horse should he run at the Preakness?

Stay tuned over the next 10 days to see if the Candy Boy saga continues.

Finishing just out of the money at fourth was disappointing for James A. Jerkens' horse. Wicked Strong had won the Wood Memorial in April and was looked at as perhaps the only horse capable of stopping California Chrome from running away with the win.

Like the other competitors, Wicked Strong fell victim to a horse that is seemingly running inspired.